Exhibit honors WWII hero

The debut of a Nevada State Museum exhibit honoring Nevada's most decorated World War II hero is set for Nevada Day.

The display at the museum in Carson City centers on Jack Streeter, a Sparks native, and after the war a Reno attorney, who is representative of the 2012 theme honoring military families of the past, present and future.

"A World at War and a New Nevada" salutes Streeter by presenting the story of his service and survival.

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme allied commander and later president, presented Streeter with one of his five Silver Stars in a Paris hospital where he was recovering after an attack during the war. He also received two Bronze Starts, five Purple Hearts and other decorations.

"To earn his third Silver Star," said Robert Nylen, state museum curator of history, "he put himself in direct fire to distract three machine gun nests, in order to allow his assault unit movement."

From 1951-1954, Streeter served as district attorney for Washoe County. The display centering on his contributions during the war will continue through the end of the year.

In addition, the museum is partnering with the Nevada Day Committee in minting a special commemorative medallion for the 2012 celebration.

Museum admission is free for the Nevada Day celebration on Saturday. The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Fridays-Mondays and is located at 600 N. Carson St.